This guide will help you prepare for a fire protection inspection.
A fire protection inspection is a guaranteed fact of life whether you supervise a restaurant, manage a distribution warehouse, or run an office. The more time and devotion you invest in preparing an inspection, the less time and resources you will need to put forward afterward. The following are some steps every business should perform to ensure their fire protection inspection doesn’t trigger alarms or raise red flags.
Clear Hallways and Pathways
The path to exit doors and windows should always be clear. Begin by clearing hallways and pathways. Ensure there are several points of exit that staff, customers, or patients can access during an emergency. These clear paths must be at a minimum of 36 inches wide and illuminated with emergency lighting. In addition, ensure that exit doors are straightforward and can be easily opened from inside the building.
It is also crucial that all emergency pathway lights and exit signs function entirely. They should have enough battery power to provide at least 90 minutes of operation if there is a power loss. Burnt-out bulbs or nonfunctional batteries should be replaced immediately.
Verify All Suppression Systems
Furthermore, you must check that all fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems are adequately charged and working. They are vital in buying your business time while first responders arrive. Additionally, these systems need to be clear of debris, inventory, etc., and correctly serviced by a trained professional.
Also, if you have fire sprinklers, check the sufficient clearance around the sprinkler heads and that inventory and supplies are not blocking the system. Because of their vital importance, experienced fire marshals spend most of their time inspecting these systems to determine they are compliant with fire codes.
Inspect Any Electrical Systems & Control Panels
Before a fire protection inspection, ensure your fire alarms are functioning. These panels must be professionally examined and serviced annually to comply with fire codes. Fix any illuminated warning lights immediately. Confirm that there are no overloading sockets and breakers. Also, you should determine that extension cords, adapters, etc., are being used.
Moreover, you need to check all breaker boxes and electrical panels are easily accessible. Hire an experienced electrician if you have any electrical problems so they can correctly address them.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480